U.S. patent application number 15/263802 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-15 for bicycle operating device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Tatsuya KAWAKAMI.
Application Number | 20180072382 15/263802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61247463 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180072382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KAWAKAMI; Tatsuya |
March 15, 2018 |
BICYCLE OPERATING DEVICE
Abstract
A bicycle operating device includes a support structure, a
release member, a positioning ratchet and a position maintaining
pawl. The release member is movable between first and second
positions. The positioning ratchet has positioning ratchet teeth
that establish predetermined positions. The position maintaining
pawl is movable between a ratchet maintaining position and a
ratchet releasing position. The position maintaining pawl includes
a positioning portion, a holding portion, a release portion and a
contact portion. The positioning portion moves away from the
positioning ratchet, while the contact portion and the holding
portion move toward the positioning ratchet teeth as the release
member contacts and moves the release portion away from the release
member as the release member moves in a releasing direction. The
release portion moves away from the release member in response to
movement of the positioning ratchet contacting and moving the
contact portion away from the positioning ratchet.
Inventors: |
KAWAKAMI; Tatsuya; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shimano Inc. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
61247463 |
Appl. No.: |
15/263802 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 23/06 20130101;
B62M 2025/003 20130101; B62M 25/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62M 25/04 20060101
B62M025/04 |
Claims
1. A bicycle operating device comprising: a support structure; a
release member movably supported with respect to the support c e
between a first position and a second position; a positioning
ratchet movably supported with respect to the support structure
between a plurality of predetermined positions, the positioning
ratchet including a plurality of positioning ratchet teeth; and a
position maintaining pawl movably supported with respect to the
support structure between a ratchet maintaining position and a
ratchet releasing position, the position maintaining pawl including
a positioning portion, a holding portion, a release portion and a
contact portion; the positioning portion being arranged to move
away from the positioning ratchet while the contact portion and the
holding portion are configured to move toward the positioning
ratchet teeth in response to movement of the release member
contacting and moving the release portion away from the release
member as the release member moves in a releasing direction between
the first and second positions, and the release portion being
further arranged to move away from the release member in response
to movement of the positioning ratchet contacting and moving the
contact portion.
2. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the
position maintaining pawl includes a first pawl part and a second
pawl part that moves with the first pawl part during at least
portion of the movement of the release member in the releasing
direction, the first pawl part includes the positioning portion and
the holding portion, the second pawl part includes the release
portion and the contact portion.
3. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein the
first pawl part is a separate member from the second pawl part.
4. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein the
contact portion of the second pawl part contacts the positioning
ratchet prior to the holding portion of the first pawl part
contacting the positioning ratchet upon the release member moving
the release portion of the second pawl part in response to the
movement of the release member in the releasing direction.
5. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein the
first pawl part and the second pawl part are configured to rotate
together around a first pivot axis.
6. The bicycle operating device according to claim 5, wherein the
second pawl part is configured to rotate independently from the
first pawl part around a second pivot axis that is offset from the
first pivot axis.
7. The bicycle operating device according to claim 6, wherein the
first pawl part and the second pawl part rotates together around
the first pivot axis upon the release member moving the release
portion of the second pawl part in response to the movement of the
release member in the releasing direction.
8. The bicycle operating device according to claim 7, wherein the
second pawl part rotates independently from the first pawl part
around the second pivot axis upon the positioning ratchet moving
the contact portion of the second pawl part in response to the
movement of the release member in the releasing direction.
9. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein the
positioning ratchet is configured to rotate around a center
rotational axis, and the positioning ratchet is axially offset from
the release member in an axial direction parallel to the center
rotational axis.
10. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the
first pawl part is axially offset from the release member in the
axial direction.
11. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the
release member is configured to rotate around a center rotational
axis, and the positioning ratchet is configured to rotate around
the center rotational axis.
12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein the
release member is configured to rotate around a center rotational
axis, and the positioning ratchet is configured to rotate around
the center rotational axis.
13. The bicycle operating device according to claim 12, wherein the
first pawl part is configured to rotate around a first pivot axis;
and the second pawl part is mounted on the first pawl part to
rotate relative to the first pawl part around a second pivot axis
that is offset from the first pivot axis.
14. The bicycle operating device according to claim 13, wherein the
first pawl part and the second pawl part rotate together around the
first pivot axis in a direction away from the positioning ratchet
and the release member, respectively, upon the release member
moving the release portion of the second pawl part in response to
the movement of the release member in the releasing direction.
15. The bicycle operating device according to claim 14, wherein the
second pawl part rotates independently from the first pawl part
around the second pivot axis upon the positioning ratchet
contacting and moving the contact portion of the second pawl part
away from the positioning ratchet in response to the movement of
the release member in the releasing direction.
16. The bicycle operating device according to claim 13, wherein the
holding portion is closer to the first pivot axis than the contact
portion.
17. The bicycle operating device according to claim 13, wherein the
release portion is closer to the first pivot axis than the
positioning portion.
18. The bicycle operating device according to claim 13, wherein the
holding portion is closer to the second pivot axis than the contact
portion; the release portion is closer to the second pivot axis
than the holding portion; and the positioning portion is closer to
the second pivot axis than the release portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention generally relates to a bicycle operating
device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
bicycle operating device for operating a bicycle component between
a plurality of predetermined positions.
Background Information
[0002] Bicycles are often provided with one or more bicycle
components that can be operated and/or adjusted by a rider while
riding. Examples of some these bicycle components include a gear
changing device (e.g., a derailleur or an internally geared hub), a
suspension and a seatpost. A bicycle operating device is usually
provided on a bicycle (e.g., on a bicycle handlebar) for a rider to
operate and/or adjust these bicycle components. The bicycle
operating device is often connected to the bicycle component with,
for example, a Bowden-type control cable. Some bicycle components
are moved between a plurality of positions. For example, a
gearshift operating device (bicycle shifter) is one example of a
bicycle operating device that is provided with a positioning unit
for establishing speed stages for a gear changing device. One
example of a bicycle operating device (bicycle shifter) is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,497, which is assigned to Shimano
Inc. In this U.S. patent, the bicycle operating device is provided
with a positioning unit (i.e., a position maintaining mechanism)
that includes a plurality of position maintaining teeth, a release
wheel with a plurality of release teeth, and a position maintaining
pawl including a position maintaining portion, a position release
portion and a movement limiting portion. The positioning unit or
position maintaining mechanism is configured to establish a
plurality of speed stages for a gear changing device.
SUMMARY
[0003] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various
features of a bicycle operating device. In the case of the above
mentioned U.S. patent, in certain instances, the position
maintaining pawl may not easily clear a tip of a release tooth of
the release wheel. As a result, the releasing action may not be as
smooth as desired.
[0004] One aspect is to provide a bicycle operating device having
an improved releasing action.
[0005] In view of the state of the known technology and in
accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle
operating device is basically provided that comprises a support
structure, a release member, a positioning ratchet and a position
maintaining pawl. The release member is movably supported with
respect to the support structure between a first position and a
second position. The positioning ratchet is movably supported with
respect to the support structure between a plurality of
predetermined positions. The positioning ratchet includes a
plurality of positioning ratchet teeth. The position maintaining
pawl is movably supported with respect to the support structure
between a ratchet maintaining position and a ratchet releasing
position. The position maintaining pawl includes a positioning
portion, a holding portion, a release portion and a contact
portion. The positioning portion is arranged to move away from the
positioning ratchet, while the contact portion and the holding
portion are configured to move toward the positioning ratchet teeth
in response to movement of the release member contacting and moving
the release portion away from the release member as the release
member moves in a releasing direction between the first and second
positions. The release portion is further arranged to move away
from the release member in response to movement of the positioning
ratchet contacting and moving the contact portion.
[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a potential shock
occurring between the release member and the release portion of the
position maintaining pawl during a release operation is effectively
reduced.
[0007] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect is
configured so that the position maintaining pawl includes a first
pawl part and a second pawl part that moves with the first pawl
part during at least portion of the movement of the release member
in the releasing direction. Also the first pawl part includes the
positioning portion and the holding portion. Also the second pawl
part includes the release portion and the contact portion.
[0008] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that the position
maintaining pawl is relatively easy to manufacture.
[0009] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect is
configured so that the first pawl part is a separate member from
the second pawl part.
[0010] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a wide range of
possible material can be used for the position maintaining
pawl.
[0011] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to the second or third
aspect is configured so that the contact portion of the second pawl
part contacts the positioning ratchet prior to the holding portion
of the first pawl part contacting the positioning ratchet upon the
release member moving the release portion of the second pawl part
in response to the movement of the release member in the releasing
direction.
[0012] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a potential shock
occurring between the release member and the release portion of the
position maintaining pawl during a release operation is effectively
reduced.
[0013] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to
fourth aspects is configured so that the first pawl part and the
second pawl part are configured to rotate together around a first
pivot axis.
[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth release
operation can be reliably achieved.
[0015] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect is
configured so that the second pawl part is configured to rotate
independently from the first pawl part around a second pivot axis
that is offset from the first pivot axis.
[0016] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a potential shock
occurring between the release member and the release portion of the
position maintaining pawl during a release operation is effectively
reduced.
[0017] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to the sixth
aspect is configured so that the first pawl part and the second
pawl part rotates together around the first pivot axis upon the
release member moving the release portion of the second pawl part
in response to the movement of the release member in the releasing
direction.
[0018] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth
release operation can be reliably achieved.
[0019] In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to the seventh
aspect is configured so that the second pawl part rotates
independently from the first pawl part around the second pivot axis
upon the positioning ratchet moving the contact portion of the
second pawl part in response to the movement of the release member
in the releasing direction.
[0020] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a potential shock
occurring between the release member and the release portion of the
position maintaining pawl during a release operation is effectively
reduced.
[0021] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to any one of the second to
eighth aspects is configured so that the positioning ratchet is
configured to rotate around a center rotational axis. Also the
positioning ratchet is axially offset from the release member in an
axial direction parallel to the center rotational axis.
[0022] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth release
operation can be reliably achieved.
[0023] In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect is
configured so that the first pawl part is axially offset from the
release member in the axial direction.
[0024] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the
bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth release
operation can be reliably achieved.
[0025] In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the
first to eighth aspects is configured so that the release member is
configured to rotate around a center rotational axis, and the
positioning ratchet is configured to rotate around the center
rotational axis.
[0026] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that the bicycle
operating device can be made to be relatively compact.
[0027] In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the
second to eleventh aspects is configured so that the release member
is configured to rotate around a center rotational axis, and the
positioning ratchet is configured to rotate around the center
rotational axis.
[0028] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that the bicycle
operating device can be made to be relatively compact.
[0029] In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth
aspect is configured so that the first pawl part is configured to
rotate around a first pivot axis. Also the second pawl part is
mounted on the first pawl part to rotate relative to the first pawl
part around a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot
axis.
[0030] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that a potential
shock occurring between the release member and the release portion
of the position maintaining pawl during a release operation is
effectively reduced.
[0031] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth
aspect is configured so that the first pawl part and the second
pawl part rotate together around the first pivot axis in a
direction away from the positioning ratchet and the release member,
respectively, upon the release member moving the release portion of
the second pawl part in response to the movement of the release
member in the releasing direction.
[0032] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth
release operation can be reliably achieved.
[0033] In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to the first
aspect is configured so that the second pawl part rotates
independently from the first pawl part around the second pivot axis
upon the positioning ratchet contacting and moving the contact
portion of the second pawl part away from the positioning ratchet
in response to the movement of the release member in the releasing
direction.
[0034] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that a potential
shock occurring between the release member and the release portion
of the position maintaining pawl during a release operation is
effectively reduced.
[0035] In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the
thirteenth to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the holding
portion is closer to the first pivot axis than the contact
portion.
[0036] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth
release operation can be reliably achieved.
[0037] In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the
thirteenth to sixteenth aspects is configured so that the release
portion is closer to the first pivot axis than the positioning
portion.
[0038] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device is configured such that a
smooth release operation can be reliably achieved.
[0039] In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the
thirteenth to seventeenth aspects is configured so that the holding
portion is closer to the second pivot axis than the contact
portion. Also the release portion is closer to the second pivot
axis than the holding portion. Also the positioning portion is
closer to the second pivot axis than the release portion.
[0040] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle operating device is configured such that a smooth
release operation can be reliably achieved.
[0041] Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
disclosed bicycle operating device will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which,
taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses one
embodiment of the bicycle operating device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a right end of a bicycle
handlebar that is equipped with a bicycle operating device in
accordance with one illustrated embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the bicycle operating device
illustrated in FIG. 1, but with the housing removed to reveal
internal parts of the bicycle operating device;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal parts of the
bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0046] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the selected
internal parts of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0047] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of selected internal parts of the
bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 6 is another exploded perspective view of the selected
internal parts including a position maintaining mechanism of the
bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0049] FIG. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the selected
internal parts including the position maintaining mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 6;
[0050] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of selected internal parts used
for performing a wire releasing operation of the bicycle operating
device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of selected internal parts for
performing a wire releasing operation of the bicycle operating
device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 10, of the
selected internal parts illustrated in FIG. 10, but with the
release member removed;
[0053] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the position maintaining
pawl of the position maintaining mechanism for the bicycle
operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0054] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the position
maintaining pawl illustrated in FIG. 11;
[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the position maintaining
pawl of the position maintaining mechanism for the bicycle
operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the position
maintaining pawl illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0057] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the position maintaining
pawl of the position maintaining mechanism for the bicycle
operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0058] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the position
maintaining pawl illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0059] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the position maintaining
pawl of the position maintaining mechanism for the bicycle
operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0060] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the position
maintaining pawl illustrated in FIG. 17;
[0061] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of selected parts of the position
maintaining mechanism of the bicycle operating device illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 20 is a series of top plan views of the selected parts
the position maintaining mechanism illustrated in FIG. 19
illustrating a releasing operation;
[0063] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a portion of the support
structure supporting the second operating member, the pulling pawl
72 and the pulling ratchet in their rest positions; and
[0064] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the second operating member,
the pulling pawl 72 and the pulling ratchet illustrated in FIG. 21,
but with the second operating member moved to an actuated position
to rotate the pulling ratchet with the pulling pawl 72.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0065] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle
field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the
embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the
purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
[0066] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle operating device 10
is illustrated in accordance with one illustrated embodiment. Here,
the bicycle operating device 10 is configured to be mounted to a
right side of a handlebar H so as to be operated by rider's right
hand. In the first illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating
device 10 is configured to be operatively coupled to a bicycle
component (not shown) via a control cable 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is configured as a
shifter for controlling a gear position of a rear gear changing
device such as a derailleur or an internally geared hub. However,
the bicycle operating device 10 can be configured as a bicycle
control device for operating other types of bicycle components
(e.g., suspension devices) as needed and/or desired.
[0067] Also, the bicycle operating device 10 can be modified to be
mounted on the left side of a handlebar H. Thus, two bicycle
operating devices could be provided on opposite ends of the
handlebar H. In such a case, the one of the bicycle operating
devices would be used to operate a first bicycle component and the
other of the bicycle operating devices would be used to operate a
second bicycle component. When the bicycle operating devices are
configured as gear shifters, the two bicycle operating devices
could be essentially identical in operation, except that they would
be mirror images of each other, and they may have a different
number of actuation (shift) positions.
[0068] Preferably, as seen in FIG. 1, the control cable 12 is a
conventional bicycle operating cable that has an outer case 12a
covering an inner wire 12b. In other words, the control cable 12 is
a Bowden type cable in which the inner wire 12b is slidably
received within the outer case 12a. The bicycle operating device 10
operates the bicycle component (not shown) by selectively pulling
and releasing the inner wire 12b.
[0069] As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises
a housing 14 and a handlebar clamp 16. Here, the housing 14 and the
handlebar clamp 16 are separate members that are attached together.
However, the handlebar clamp 16 can be integrally form with a part
of the housing 14 as a one-piece member as needed and/or desired.
Also, the handlebar clamp 16 can be adjustably mounted to the
housing 14 as needed and/or desired.
[0070] The housing 14 (FIG. 1) covers the internal components of
the bicycle operating device 10 that release from the inner wire
12b to feed out of the housing 14 and that pull the inner wire 12b
into the housing 14. Here, for example, the housing 14 has a
two-piece construction (i.e., upper and lower housing parts) that
is fastened together by a plurality of screws 18. The housing parts
are hard rigid members constructed of a suitable material such as a
hard plastic or a lightweight metal. However, the housing 14 can
have a variety of configurations as needed and/or desired.
[0071] The handlebar clamp 16 is constructed of a hard rigid
material such as a hard plastic or a lightweight metal. The
handlebar clamp 16 includes a clamp portion 16a and an attachment
portion 16b. As seen in FIG. 1, the attachment portion 16b of the
handlebar clamp 16 is partially concealed by the housing 14. The
clamp portion 16a is a conventional tube clamp that constitutes an
example of a handlebar mounting member. Here, the clamp portion 16a
is provided with a tightening bolt 20 (i.e., a tightening member)
that is configured to squeeze the handlebar clamp 16 onto the
handlebar H.
[0072] As seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, the bicycle operating device 10
comprises a support structure 22. The handlebar clamp 16 is
primarily mounted to the support structure 22 by a mounting bolt 24
and a fixing nut 26. Here, as seen in FIG. 4, an additional fixing
bolt 28 is used to secure the handlebar clamp 16 to the support
structure 22. In particular, the mounting bolt 24 has a head 24a
and a shaft 24b with an external thread 24c. The shaft 24b extends
through an opening 16c of the attachment portion 16b of the
handlebar clamp 16 and through the support structure 22. The fixing
nut 26 is screwed onto the external thread 24c of the free end of
the shaft 24b. The fixing bolt 28 extends upwardly through the
support structure 22 and is screwed into the bottom side of the
handlebar clamp 16.
[0073] As seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, the support structure 22 basically
comprises a first or upper support 30, a second or intermediate
support 32 and a third or lower support 34. The first, second and
third supports 30, 32 and 34 are rigid plate members that are bent
to form an internal frame or base member of the bicycle operating
device 10. For example, the first, second and third supports 30, 32
and 34 are constructed from metal plates. Basically, the first,
second and third supports 30, 32 and 34 are fixed together by the
mounting bolt 24 and the fixing nut 26.
[0074] As seen in FIGS. 3 to 7, the bicycle operating device 10
further comprises a position maintaining mechanism 40. The bicycle
operating device 10 further comprises a first operating member 41
and a second operating member 42. Here, the first and second
operating members 41 and 42 re user operating levers that are each
movably arranged between a rest position and an actuated position.
Thus, the first operating member 41 constitutes a wire release
lever. The first operating member 41 is used by the user for
performing a releasing operation of the inner wire 12b in which the
inner wire 12b can be payed out of the housing 14. On the other
hand, the second operating member 42 is used by the user for
performing a pulling operation of the inner wire 12 in which the
inner wire 12b can be pulled into the housing 14. Thus, the second
operating member 42 constitutes a wire pull lever.
[0075] The first operating member 41 basically has a user operated
portion 41a and a mounting portion 41b. Similarly, the second
operating member 42 has a user operated portion 42a and a mounting
portion 41b. The mounting portion 41b of the first operating member
41 also has a first projection 41c and a second projection 41d,
which will be discussed later. The user operated portions 41a and
42a are the portions of the first and second operating members 41
and 42 that are disposed outside of the housing 14 and position for
the user to operate from the handlebar H while the bicycle
operating device 10 is mounted on the handlebar H. The mounting
portions 41b and 42b are the portions of the first and second
operating members 41 and 42 that are disposed inside the housing 14
and mounted to the support structure 22.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating member 41
is movably mounted to the support structure 22 by a fixing bolt 43.
In particular, the fixing bolt 43 is screwed into the first support
30 for movably supporting the first operating member 41 on the
support structure 22. The second operating member 42 is pivotally
mounted to the support structure 22 by the mounting bolt 24 and the
fixing nut 26. The mounting bolt 24 defines a center rotational
axis C1, while the fixing bolt 43 defines a pivot axis C2. The
center rotational axis C1 also constitutes a first operating axis
of both the first and second operating members 42, while the pivot
axis C2 constitutes a second operating axis of the first operating
member 41.
[0077] As seen in FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first
operating member 41 can be operated in either direction with
respect to the support structure 22 from the rest position to
perform a releasing operation. When the first operating member 41
is moved in a direction towards from the handlebar H, the second
operating member 42 pivots about the center rotational axis C1. In
particular, the first operating member 41 has an arcuate slot 41b'
that receives the fixing bolt 43 and a bushing 44 that is disposed
on the fixing bolt 43. Preferably, the arcuate slot 41b' is
arranged such that the arcuate slot 41b' curves along an arc having
its center located at the center rotational axis C1. In this way,
the arcuate slot 41b' permits the first operating member 41 to
pivot about the center rotational axis C1. However, when the first
operating member 41 is moved in a direction away from the handlebar
H, the second operating member 42 abuts against the bushing 44, and
thus, pivots about the pivot axis C2. Of course, alternatively, the
first operating member 41 can be configured such that the first
operating member 41 can be pivoted in only one direction to perform
a releasing operation.
[0078] Preferably, the first and second operating members 41 and 42
are each biased towards their respective rest position such that
the first and second operating members 41 and 42 are trigger
levers. The term "rest position" as used herein refers to a state
in which the part (e.g., the first and second operating members 41
and 42) remains stationary without the need of a user holding the
part in that state corresponding to the rest position. In the
illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 4, a first biasing element
46 is provided for biasing the first operating member 41 towards
the rest position, while a second biasing element 48 is provided
for biasing the second operating member 42 towards the rest
position.
[0079] The position maintaining mechanism 40 of the bicycle
operating device 10 basically comprises a positioning ratchet 50
and a position maintaining pawl 52. The positioning ratchet 50 is
movably supported with respect to the support structure 22 between
a plurality of predetermined positions. In this way, the position
maintaining mechanism 40 can establish a predetermined shift
positions when the bicycle operating device 10 is used for
operating a gear changing device (e.g., a derailleur or an
internally geared hub) such as in the illustrated embodiment. In
the illustrated embodiment, the position maintaining mechanism 40
further comprises a wire take-up member 54 to which one end of the
inner wire 12b is operatively attached. The wire take-up member 54
has a peripheral groove 54b formed in its peripheral edge for
receiving the inner wire 12b. The wire take-up member 54 is
rotatably supported on the support structure 22 by the mounting
bolt 24 to rotate about the center rotational axis C1. The wire
take-up member 54 is non-rotatably coupled to the positioning
ratchet 50. In this way, the positioning ratchet 50 and the wire
take-up member 54 are movably (i.e., rotatably) arranged in
accordance with the operations of the first and second operating
members 41 and 42. Here, a wire attachment member 56 is provided
for operatively attaching one end of the inner wire 12b to the wire
take-up member 54.
[0080] A biasing element 58 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is provided for
biasing the positioning ratchet 50 and the wire take-up member 54
towards in a first direction D1 about the center rotational axis
C1. The first direction D1 corresponds to a wire releasing
direction in which the inner wire 12b is payed out of the housing
14. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 58 is a flat
torsion spring that is coiled around the mounting bolt 24. A first
free end of the biasing element 58 operatively coupled to the first
positioning ratchet 50 and the wire take-up member 54, while and a
second free end of the biasing element 58 contacts the second
support 32 of the support structure 22. In this way, when the
position maintaining pawl 52 is disengaged from the positioning
ratchet 50 during a releasing operation, the positioning ratchet 50
and the wire take-up member 54 rotate in the first direction D1
about the center rotational axis C1. In some instances, the biasing
element 58 can be omitted and the positioning ratchet 50 and the
wire take-up member 54 can be rotated in the first direction D1
about the center rotational axis C1 by a biasing element of the
bicycle component being operated via the inner wire 12b that
interconnects the bicycle operating device 10 and the bicycle
component being operated.
[0081] In order to perform a releasing operation, the bicycle
operating device 10 further comprises a release member 60. The
release member 60 is movably supported with respect to the support
structure 22 between a first position and a second position. Here,
the first position of the release member 60 corresponds to a rest
position, while the second position of the release member 60
corresponds to an actuated position. In the illustrated embodiment,
the release member 60 is pivotally mounted to the support structure
22 by the mounting bolt 24. Thus, the release member 60 is
configured to rotate around the center rotational axis C1. The
release member 60 pivots in a second direction D2 about the center
rotational axis C1 when the release member 60 moves from the first
(rest) position and the second (actuated) position. As discussed
below, the second direction D2 corresponds to a wire pulling
direction in which the inner wire 12b is pulled into of the housing
14. Thus, the first and second directions D1 and D2 are opposite
rotational directions with respect to the center rotational axis
C1.
[0082] Basically, the release member 60 is pivoted in response to
movement of the first operating member 41 from the rest positon to
one of the two actuated positions. Thus, when the release member 60
is pivoted by the first operating member 41, the position
maintaining pawl 52 moves temporarily out of engagement with the
positioning ratchet 50. As a result of the disengagement of the
position maintaining pawl 52 from the positioning ratchet 50, the
positioning ratchet 50 and the wire take-up member 54 are free to
rotate one of the predetermined positions in the first direction D1
about the center rotational axis C1. In the illustrated embodiment,
the positioning ratchet 50 and the wire take-up member 54 are moved
in the first direction D1 by the biasing force of the biasing
element 58.
[0083] In particular, the release member 60 includes an operating
projection 60a and a plurality of caroming teeth or abutments 60b.
The operating projection 60a engages the first and second
projections 41c and 41d of the first operating member 41. In this
way, the first operating member 41 is moved away from the handlebar
H, the first operating member 41 and the release member 60 move
together as a single unit about the center rotational axis C1.
However, when the first operating member 41 is moved towards the
handlebar H, the first operating member 41 moves relative the
release member 60 by pivoting on the fixing bolt 43 about the pivot
axis C2.
[0084] Here in the illustrated embodiment, the release member 60 is
a separate part from the first operating member 41 so that the
release member 60 is pivoted about the center rotational axis C1 in
the second direction D2 when the first operating member 41 is
operated in either direction with respect to the housing 14 from
the rest position of FIG. 5. Of course, alternatively, the first
operating member 41 can be configured such that the first operating
member 41 can be pivoted in only one direction to perform a
releasing operation. In other words, the release member 60 can be
integrally formed with the first operating member 41 as a single
piece if it is desirable for the first operating member 41 to be
operated only in a single direction.
[0085] As mentioned above, the positioning ratchet 50 is movably
supported with respect to the support structure 22 between a
plurality of predetermined positions. In particular, the
positioning ratchet 50 is configured to rotate around the center
rotational axis C1. Also the positioning ratchet 50 is axially
offset from the release member 60 in an axial direction parallel to
the center rotational axis C1. In other words, the positioning
ratchet 50 and the release member 60 do not lie in the same plane
that is perpendicular to the center rotational axis C1. Rather, the
positioning ratchet 50 and the release member 60 are stacked on the
mounting bolt 24 with the positioning ratchet 50 and the release
member 60 being rotatable with respect to each other.
[0086] Preferably, the positioning ratchet 50 includes a plurality
of positioning ratchet teeth 50a. Also preferably, the positioning
ratchet 50 includes an attachment portion 50b in the form of an
opening for receiving a portion of the wire attachment member 56
thereto. The position maintaining pawl 52 selectively engages the
positioning ratchet teeth 50a one at a time to selectively
establish predetermined positions. In particular, the position
maintaining pawl 52 is movably supported with respect to the
support structure 22 between a ratchet maintaining position and a
ratchet releasing position. Thus, when the release member 60 is
pivoted by the first operating member 41, the position maintaining
pawl 52 is moved by the camming teeth 60b of the release member 60
from the ratchet maintaining position and the ratchet releasing
position. As a result, the position maintaining pawl 52 is
temporarily moved out of engagement with the positioning ratchet
teeth 50a of the positioning ratchet 50 to permit the positioning
ratchet 50 and the wire take-up member 54 to rotate in the first
direction D1. However, as explained below, the position maintaining
pawl 52 subsequently engages another one of the positioning ratchet
teeth 50a of the positioning ratchet 50 to limit further rotation
of the positioning ratchet 50 and the wire take-up member 54 in the
first direction D1.
[0087] As seen in FIGS. 11 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment,
the position maintaining pawl 52 includes a first pawl part 62 and
a second pawl part 64. The first pawl part 62 is a separate member
from the second pawl part 64. However, the second pawl part 64 is
pivotally mounted on the first pawl part 62. The first pawl part 62
is axially offset from the release member 60 in the axial
direction. The first pawl part 62 is configured to rotate around a
first pivot axis A1. Also the second pawl part 64 is mounted on the
first pawl part 62 to rotate relative to the first pawl part 62
around a second pivot axis A2 that is offset from the first pivot
axis A1.
[0088] With this arrangement, the first pawl part 62 and the second
pawl part 64 are configured to rotate together around the first
pivot axis A1. The first pivot axis A1 is defined by a pivot pin 66
that pivotally supports the first and second pawl parts 62 and 64
on the support structure 22. Moreover, with this arrangement, the
second pawl part 64 is configured to rotate independently from the
first pawl part 62 around the second pivot axis A2 that is offset
from the first pivot axis A1. In particular, the first pawl part 62
includes a stepped shaped pivot pin 62a that is disposed in a
mating stepped shaped bore 64a of the second pawl part 64. The
pivot pin 62a defines the second pivot axis A2. Moreover, the first
pawl part 62 includes a pair of tubular members 62b1 and 62b2 for
receiving the pivot pin 66 that defines the first pivot axis A1.
The first pawl part 62 further includes an abutment 62d, which will
be discussed below with regards to a winding operation of the
second operating member 42.
[0089] As a result of this two pawl part arrangement, during a
releasing operation, initially, the second pawl part 64 moves with
the first pawl part 62 during at least portion of the movement of
the release member 60 in the releasing direction. In other words,
the first and second pawl parts 62 and 64 pivot together around the
first pivot axis A1 upon the release member 60 initially moving the
second pawl part 64 in response to the movement of the release
member 60 in the releasing direction. This pivotal movement the
first and second pawl parts 62 and 64 around the first pivot axis
A1 applies a force on the first pawl part 62 to provide clearance
between the first pawl part 62 and the tooth of the positioning
ratchet teeth 50a. In this way, the first pawl part 62 is
temporarily disengaged from the positioning ratchet teeth 50a of
the positioning ratchet 50 to permit the positioning ratchet 50 and
the wire take-up member 54 to rotate in the first direction D1.
However, the first pawl part 62 and the second pawl part 64 both
pivots around the first pivot axis A1 to subsequently engage
upstream teeth of the positioning ratchet teeth 50a of the
positioning ratchet 50. The subsequent engagement of the first pawl
part 62 further limits the rotation of the positioning ratchet 50
and the wire take-up member 54 in the first direction D1. As a
result of the contact between the second pawl part 64 and one of
the positioning ratchet teeth 50a of the positioning ratchet 50,
the second pawl part 64 is pivoted relative to the first pawl part
62 around the second pivot axis A2. This pivotal movement the
second pawl part 64 relative to the first pawl part 62 around the
second pivot axis A2 also applies a force on the second pawl part
64 to provide clearance between the second pawl part 64 and the
caroming teeth 60b of the release member 60. Once the tooth of
positioning ratchet teeth 50a that was just disengaged moves pass
the first pawl part 62, the first and second pawl parts 62 and 64
again pivot together around the first pivot axis A1 but in the
opposite direction towards engagement with the positioning ratchet
teeth 50a of the positioning ratchet 50.
[0090] Preferably, a biasing element 68 is provided between the
second support 32 and the second pawl part 64 for biasing both the
first and second pawl parts 62 and 64 (i.e., the position
maintaining pawl 52) towards engagement with the positioning
ratchet teeth 50a of the positioning ratchet 50. In other words,
the position maintaining pawl 52 is biased towards the ratchet
maintaining position by the biasing element 68. Here, the biasing
element 68 is a flat spring that is coiled around the first pivot
axis A1 with a first free end engaged with the second support 32
and a second fee end engaged with the second pawl part 64.
[0091] Basically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second pawl parts 62 and 64 cooperate together such that the
position maintaining pawl 52 includes a positioning portion 52a, a
holding portion 52b, a release portion 52c and a contact portion
52d. While the position maintaining pawl 52 is made up of the first
and second pawl parts 62 and 64, in a more simplistic embodiment,
the position maintaining pawl 52 could be a single piece that forms
the positioning portion 52a, the holding portion 52b, the release
portion 52c and the contact portion 52d. Here, the first pawl part
62 includes the positioning portion 52a and the holding portion
52b, while the second pawl part 64 includes the release portion 52c
and the contact portion 52d. The second pawl part 64 further
includes a positioning abutment 64b that is arranged to contact the
positioning ratchet teeth 50a of the positioning ratchet 50 when
the bicycle operating device 10 in the rest position. Thus, the
positioning abutment 64b acts as an additional positioning abutment
portion of the position maintaining pawl 52.
[0092] Basically, the first pawl part 62 pivots in a first
direction about the first pivot axis A1 on the during a first
segment of the releasing operation and then pivots back in a second
direction that is opposite to the first direction on the first
pivot axis A1 on the during a last segment of the releasing
operation. In particular, the positioning portion 52a and the
positioning abutment 64b both move away from the positioning
ratchet teeth 50a and the holding portion 52b moves towards from
the positioning ratchet teeth 50a as the first pawl part 62 pivots
about the first pivot axis A1 during the first segment of the
releasing operation. On the other hand, the positioning portion 52a
and the positioning abutment 64b move towards from the positioning
ratchet teeth 50a and the holding portion 52b moves away from the
positioning ratchet teeth 50a as the first pawl part 62 pivots
about the first pivot axis A1 during the last segment of the
releasing operation.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the release portion 52c is
closer to the first pivot axis A1 than the positioning portion 52a.
Also the release portion 52c is closer to the second pivot axis A2
than the holding portion 52b. Also the positioning portion 52a is
closer to the second pivot axis A2 than the release portion 52c. In
the illustrated embodiment, the holding portion 52b is closer to
the first pivot axis A1 than the contact portion 52d. Also the
holding portion 52b is closer to the second pivot axis A2 than the
contact portion 52d.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the positioning ratchet 50 is
biased to the first (clockwise or releasing) direction D1 about the
center rotational axis C1 by the biasing element 58. The release
member 60 is biased to the first (clockwise or releasing) direction
D1 about the center rotational axis C1 by the biasing element 46.
However, as mentioned above, the positioning ratchet 50 and the
release member 60 are independently movable with respect to each
other about the center rotational axis C1. The first and second
pawl parts 62 and 64 are biased in a counterclockwise direction
about a first pivot axis A1 by the biasing element 68 as seen in
FIGS. 19 and 20. The first pawl part 62 is configured to
selectively maintain the positioning ratchet 50 in one of the
predetermined positions. FIG. 19 and view (a) of FIG. 20 show a
rest position of the illustrated parts. Views (b) to (d) of FIG. 20
show a releasing operation in which the positioning ratchet 50 is
moved from one of the predetermined positions to an immediately
adjacent one of the predetermined positions.
[0095] In particular, View (b) of FIG. 20 shows the release member
60 being rotate in the second (counterclockwise) D2 direction about
the center rotational axis C1 to rotate the first and second pawl
parts 62 and 64 in the clockwise direction about the first pivot
axis A1 against the biasing force of the biasing element 68.
Specifically, one of the camming teeth 60b contacts the release
portion 52c of the second pawl part 64 to rotate the pawl part 64
in the clockwise direction about the first pivot axis A1. In this
way, the second pawl part 64 also rotates the first pawl part 62 in
the clockwise direction about the first pivot axis A1 in response
to the movement of the release member 60 pressing against the
release portion 52c of the second pawl part 64. In other words, the
first pawl part 62 and the second pawl part 64 rotates together
around the first pivot axis A1 in a direction away from the
positioning ratchet 50 and the release member 60, respectively,
upon the release member 60 moving the release portion 52c of the
second pawl part 64 in response to the movement of the release
member 60 in the releasing direction.
[0096] As a result of this movement of the first pawl part 62, the
positioning portion 52a of the first pawl part 62 is moved away
from the positioning ratchet 50 and the holding portion 52b of the
first pawl part 62 is moved toward the positioning ratchet 50. Also
the contact portion 52d of the second pawl part 64 is moved toward
the positioning ratchet 50 as the second pawl part 64 rotates in
the clockwise direction about the first pivot axis A1. In other
words, the positioning portion 52a is arranged to move away from
the positioning ratchet 50, while the contact portion 52d and the
holding portion 52b are configured to move toward the positioning
ratchet teeth 50a in response to movement of the release member 60
contacting and moving the release portion 52c away from the release
member 60 as the release member 60 moves in a releasing direction
between the first and second positions.
[0097] Since the positioning portion 52a of the first pawl part 62
is moved away from the positioning ratchet 50, the positioning
portion 52a disengages from one of the positioning ratchet teeth
50a. As a result, the positioning ratchet 50 rotates in the first
(clockwise) direction D1 about the center rotational axis C1 in
response to the positioning portion 52a disengaging from the
positioning ratchet 50. However, as seen in view (b) of FIG. 20,
the holding portion 52b of the first pawl part 62 and the contact
portion 52d of the second pawl part 64 are moved into the path of
the positioning ratchet teeth 50a as the second pawl part 64
rotates in the clockwise direction about the first pivot axis
A1.
[0098] Now, as seen in view (c) of FIG. 20, the second pawl part 64
rotates in counterclockwise direction about the second pivot axis
A2 in response to the rotational movement of the positioning
ratchet 50 and one of the positioning ratchet teeth 50a pressing
against the contact portion 52d. In other words, the second pawl
part 64 rotates independently from the first pawl part 62 around
the second pivot axis A2 upon the positioning ratchet 50 contacting
and moving the contact portion 52d of the second pawl part 64 in
response to the movement of the release member 60 in the releasing
direction. As a result of one of the positioning ratchet teeth 50a
pressing against the contact portion 52d, the release portion 52c
of the second pawl part 64 is moved further away from the release
member 60. In other words, the release portion 52c is further
arranged to move away from the release member 60 in response to
movement of the positioning ratchet 50 contacting and moving the
contact portion 52d away from the positioning ratchet 50. Also the
holding portion 52b of the first pawl part 62 is located in the
path of the positioning ratchet teeth and stop rotation of the
positioning ratchet 50 the first rotational direction D1 about the
center rotational axis C1 in response to the holding portion 52b
contacts with one of the positioning ratchet teeth 50a. However,
the contact portion 52d of the second pawl part 64 contacts the
positioning ratchet 50 prior to the holding portion 52b of the
first pawl part 62 contacting the positioning ratchet 50 upon the
release member 60 moving the release portion 52c of the second pawl
part 64 in response to the movement of the release member 60 in the
releasing direction.
[0099] As seen in views (c) and (d) of FIG. 20, as the release
member 60 continues to rotate in the second rotational direction D2
about the center rotational axis C1 and the release portion 52c of
the second pawl part 64 clears the tip of the release member 60
(view (c)), the first and second pawl parts 62 and 64 rotate in the
counterclockwise direction about the first pivot axis A1 (view
(d)). Now, as seen in view (d) of FIG. 20, the positioning portion
52a of the first pawl part 62 is engaged with the immediately
adjacent one of the predetermined positions for establishing a new
one of the predetermined positions.
[0100] As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the bicycle operating device 10
further comprises a pulling ratchet 70 that is fixed to the wire
take-up member 54. Thus, the pulling ratchet 70 moves with the wire
take-up member 54 and the positioning ratchet 50 about the center
rotational axis C1 as the positioning ratchet 50 and the wire
take-up member 54 rotate together about the center rotational axis
C1. The pulling ratchet 70 has a plurality of ratchet teeth 70a.
Also preferably, the pulling ratchet 70 includes an attachment
portion 70b in the form of an opening for receiving a portion of
the wire attachment member 56 thereto.
[0101] The second operating member 42 is provided with a pulling
pawl 72 for rotating the pulling ratchet 70 about the center
rotational axis C1 in the second direction D2 as the second
operating member 42 is operated from the rest position (FIG. 21) to
the actuated position (FIG. 22). The pulling pawl 72 is biased
towards the pulling ratchet 70 by a biasing element 74 (e.g., a
torsion spring as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7). In particular, the
pulling pawl 72 is pivotally mounted on the mounting portion 42b of
the second operating member 42 by a pivot pin 76. The pivot pin 76
extends upwardly from the mounting portion 42b of the second
operating member 42 and extends through the arcuate slot 32a in the
second support 32. In this way, the second operating member 42 is
located on the lower side of the second support 32, while the
pulling pawl 72 is located on the upper side of the second support
32. Preferably, the biasing element 74 has a coiled portion
disposed on the pivot pin 76. The biasing element 74 has a first
free end contacting the edge of the mounting portion 42b of the
second operating member 42 and a second free end disposed in a hole
of the pulling pawl 72. In this way, the pulling pawl 72 is biased
towards the pulling ratchet 70 by the biasing element 74 so that
the pulling pawl 72 can rotate the pulling ratchet 70 in the second
direction D2 as the second operating member 42 is operated from the
rest position (FIG. 21) to the actuated position (FIG. 22). In
particular, the pulling pawl 72 has a pulling tooth 72a that is
located in the path of the ratchet teeth 70a while the second
operating member 42 is in the rest position. Thus, the pulling pawl
72 is provided with an abutment 72b for moving the pulling tooth
72a out of the path of the ratchet teeth 70a during a releasing
operation of the first operating member 41. More specifically,
during a releasing operation of the first operating member 41, the
first pawl part 62 pivots to the ratchet releasing position, which
causes the abutment 62d of the first pawl part 62 to contact the
abutment 72b of the pulling pawl 72 and rotate such that the
pulling pawl 72 away from the ratchet teeth 70a.
[0102] Accordingly, when the second operating member 42 is pivoted
about the center rotational axis C1 in the second direction D2, the
wire take-up member 54 is also rotated in the second direction D2.
A pulling mechanism is formed by the second operating member 42,
the pulling ratchet 70 and the pulling pawl 72. The pulling
mechanism is relatively conventional, and thus, the pulling
mechanism will not be discussed in detail herein.
[0103] Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 5, optionally, the bicycle
operating device 10 further comprises a position indicator 80 for
indicating a current one of the predetermined positions established
by the position maintaining mechanism 40. Here, the position
indicator 80 is pivotally mounted between the first and second
supports 30 and 32. The bicycle operating device 10 further
comprises a cam plate 82 that is fixed to the positioning ratchet
50. The cam plate 82 rotates with the positioning ratchet 50 about
the center rotational axis C1 as the positioning ratchet 50 and the
wire take-up member 54 rotate together about the center rotational
axis C1. A biasing element 84 is provided to biasing the position
indicator 80 into contact with an edge of the cam plate 82. In
particular, the position indicator 80 has an indicating arm 80a, a
control arm 80b and a pivot pin 80c as seen in FIG. 4. The
indicating arm 80a and the control arm 80b are attached to the
pivot pin 80c. The pivot pin 80c is pivotally disposed between the
first and second supports 30 and 32. The indicating arm 80a extends
from the pivot pin 80c so that a tip of the free end of the
indicating arm 80a is visible in a window of the housing 14 as seen
in FIG. 1. The control arm 80b contacts the edge of the cam plate
82 so that the position indicator 80 pivots as the cam plate 82
rotates about the center rotational axis C1. This pivotal movement
of the position indicator 80 cause the indicating arm 80a to move
in the window of the housing 14 to indicate a current position of
the position maintaining mechanism 40.
[0104] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.
[0105] As used herein, the following directional terms "frame
facing side", "non-frame facing side", "forward", "rearward",
"front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward",
"downward", "top", "bottom", " side", "vertical", "horizontal",
"perpendicular" and "transverse" as well as any other similar
directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an
upright, riding position and equipped with the bicycle operating
device. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to
describe the bicycle operating device should be interpreted
relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal
surface and that is equipped with the bicycle operating device. The
terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate the "right" when
referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the
bicycle, and the "left" when referencing from the left side as
viewed from the rear of the bicycle.
[0106] Also it will be understood that although the terms "first"
and "second" may be used herein to describe various components
these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms
are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for
example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second
component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of
the present invention. The term "attached" or "attaching", as used
herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly
secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the
other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly
secured to the other element by affixing the element to the
intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other
element; and configurations in which one element is integral with
another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other
element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning,
for example, "joined", "connected", "coupled", "mounted", "bonded",
"fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an
amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result
is not significantly changed.
[0107] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or
orientation of the various components can be changed as needed
and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect
their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise,
components that are shown directly connected or contacting each
other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so
long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended
function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and
vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and
functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment.
It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a
particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is
unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other
features, also should be considered a separate description of
further inventions by the applicant, including the structural
and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the
foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present
invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the
purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *